Breakdown of North Reading Election Results
Incumbent Steve O'Leary and Water Commission Chairman Joe Foti won the election Tuesday.
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From left to right: Poll workers Mary Lou Dysart, Margaret Isabelle and Sara Lamonica.
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Incumbent Steve O'Leary and Joe Foti won the election for Board of Selectmen on Tuesday. The seats for selectmen were the only ones contested.
Water Commission Chairman Joe Foti had 1,222 votes, Steve O'Leary gained 1,165 votes and former School Committee member Maureen Harty-Vacca collected 784 votes.
Here are the results for each precinct:
| Candidate | Total | Precinct 1 | Precinct 2 | Precinct 3 | Precinct 4 |
| Steve O'Leary | 1,165 | 308 | 188 | 297 | 372 |
| Joe Foti | 1,222 | 318 | 187 | 314 | 403 |
| Maureen Harty-Vacca | 784 | 162 | 136 | 209 | 277 |
Maureen Harty-Vacca said she may consider running again in the future.
Here are two profiles that will help you get to know your new selectmen better:
Mel Webster
10:59 am on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
I was shocked to see 599 blanks in a contested election. Curious as to why so many people decided to vote for only one candidate.
Mary B
2:16 pm on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
That is not uncommon for people to only vote candidate when they can vote for more than one. Just think about it, if you only vote for the candidate you want, that will enable him/her to get a larger proportion of the votes. Thus giving him/her a better shot at winning.
I voted for only one candidate in this election, because I wanted to be sure he won one of the seats. By casting my ballot for only one my vote would not get diluted.
Barry
6:20 pm on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Mel, it's called bullet voting, and it is a tactic that has been used forever.
Ed Canney
7:19 pm on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Mel, I bulleted my candidate. It was perceived to be a close race, so if you preferred one over the other two, you only voted for them. Its more common if there are multiple candidates for one seat. But I agree, not the norm when two seats are available.
E
2:35 pm on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Mel,
If you truly believe in one candidate's views over those of the other two, you should always cast one vote in a 3 for 2 race. Your unused vote (if cast) could potentially tip the scale in favor of either other candidate knocking your horse out of the race.
E
Ed Canney
7:08 pm on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Barry, as others have posted , please say who you are. Most of us give our names along w/our opinions. Your posts always have a bit of a nasty flavor, i.e. your allegations regarding Maureen Vacca.
If you disagree with an opinion, just say so, sans the nastiness!
Mel Webster
12:21 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
I understand bullet voting. I just think it is too bad when there are three qualified candidates and you are allowed to vote for two that so many people decide to choose only one. However, since only 17.83 percent of the town's registered voters could even see fit to get out and vote, I guess those that did take the time are allowed to vote in whatever way they want. At least all of you made the effort.